Saturday Morning Quarterback: New York Jets vs. New York Giants

Aug 22, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback

Geno Smith

(7) passes against the New York Giants during the first quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

The Snoopy trophy has transferred to the Giants locker room, as the Giants took the “Snoopy Bowl” last night by a score of 35-24 over our New York Jets.. Despite that, there were a great deal of positives that came out of the game, along with some obvious negatives, so let’s talk about it.

First of all, Geno Smith cemented his position as the starting quarterback, as was announced by Rex Ryan last night during his press conference. He made smart decisions with the football, which was already a big step over last season. Also, his throws were great. None of them were in a spot to be intercepted, but they all were where his guy could make a play on the football. It’s not his fault that Stephen Hill stinks, which we will talk about in a minute.

Let’s talk about Chris Johnson for a minute. How is exciting is he to watch with the football out in open space? Does anyone remember having a weapon like him? Certainly not in the last few years, that’s for sure. Watching him take a screen pass for over 17 yards per reception is a thing of beauty. Chris has not lost a step at all, and he can still rush the football as well.

On the reverse side of things, if I never have to watch Stephen Hill play another down of football, it will be too soon. I am sick and tired of watching passes go through his hands, and him giving up on pass routes. Yes, he made one catch, but if you throw it enough times to someone, they will catch one. I was hopeful due to his great speed, but he is not an NFL quality wide receiver, and everyone knows it. John Idzik, please cut the cord with Stephen Hill. Everyone in the land of the Jets will be much happier.

There is no reason to be upset with the offensive line for the Jets last night as well. They paved the way for 146 yards rushing. Geno Smith was not sacked at all, and Michael Vick was sacked once (Geno Smith sack nullified by penalty). It wasn’t perfect, as they got to Matt Simms twice in the second half, but the starters are very much starting to gel, which is an exciting prospect.

The other standout for me on the offensive side was Jace Amaro. He seems to be getting the offense down quite nicely. Last night, his routes were crisp, and he looked great catching the football. Congratulations Jace on your first NFL touchdown, may it be the first of many, preferably all for the New York Jets.

We will talk some defense on the next page.

Aug 22, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants wide receiver

Victor Cruz

(80) complete a pass as New York Jets cornerback

Kyle Wilson

(20) defends in during the second quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

Let’s get this out of the way first. I also would prefer never to see Kyle Wilson play a down of football again. Except, of course, if he is being beaten by Jeremy Kerley in the slot while playing for an opponent. Maybe he and Stephen Hill can carpool to Newark Airport after they are cut. If I never see him pounding his chest after committing a penalty again, it will be too soon. And, I can do without the weekly rite of passage, hearing this over my TV, “Pass interference, Defense, #20, Spot of the foul, First Down!”. Goodbye sir.

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But one guy I would LIKE to see play a lot of downs for the Jets is Jason Babin. Even as an older veteran, he still has a plethora of pass rush moves. Did you see the play when he beat Will Beatty to get to Manning? He made Beatty look silly. The pass rush as a whole was very good, and it is going to have to be. With the suspect secondary, the Jets must get a good pass rush to compensate, and they did last night. But Jason Babin, who has killed us before, was exciting to watch perform for us.

The run defense was OK. Overall, giving up 4.2 yards per carry isn’t terrible, but it isn’t great either. The standard set by the Jets’ run defenses in the past is better than that. Rashad Jennings also rushed for over five yards per carry. The run defense needs to tighten up before week one.

The quality of depth on the Jets’ defense is a bit concerning as well. The second/third string players allowed 28 points against the Giants’ backups, allowing them to come back to win the football game. No, a lot of these guys won’t see the field much as it stands now, but if there are injuries, we need the quality to be there to pick up the slack. The game against Philadelphia will be very key for a lot of these players.

One standout in the defensive backfield was Darrin Walls. He made a nice break on a couple of different passes, and showed good coverage throughout his time in the game last night. Maybe the Jets have found their starter to go opposite of Dee Milliner?

Finally, it’s time to call a punter, someone like Zoltan Mesko. Ryan Quigley is not consistent enough to punt in this league, and they have no confidence in Jacob Schum. Get someone in here to improve the position.

What did you guys think of the game?

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